Real Madrid’s Christiano Ronaldo says that consistency as a player has kept him among the best football professionals in the world and it is no accident he is constantly nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award.

Ronaldo admits he would like to lift the award next month, but understands it is not up to him.

Still, he feels he has had another good year, but understands the success of Madrid is not solely based on him.

“I always like to win, but I know that does not depend on me,” said Ronaldo.

“I do not know if I deserve it this year - I've been on the podium for six years, this is the seventh or eighth year in the FIFPro team.

“This is no accident, it demonstrates the consistency that I have shown in recent years.

“Do I deserve to win? I believe I deserve to win the Golden Ball each year.

“I would like to win, but sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, that is the way things are.”

“I'm an ambitious person, a player who always wants the best. A player who loves to learn, who likes to maintain a high level.

“Obviously, each year I am more mature, I have more experience and that's good for me and for my team or selection.

“I am a privileged person. Year after year, there is always a challenge and different motivations.

“Madrid does not depend on one player. I help, it's my job, what I have to do, give your best and help the team, so I feel good.

“Real Madrid's team is very good and there are great players.”

Madrid currently sit third in the La Liga standings, five points behind both Atletico Madrid [second] and Barcelona [first], but looking ahead to the New Year Ronaldo feels his side can erode the deficit.

“Barcelona and Atletico have been more consistent than us, but La Liga is long,” added Ronaldo.

“Obviously we want to be always above the first, but we have to give credit to what Barca and Atletico have done this season, spectacular.

“There is still hope that Madrid, in the end, may be first.”